by Chelsea Wamsley
On Wed., Oct. 29 chart-topping songwriter Desmond Child appeared on Belmont’s “Insider’s View” stage, hosted by Harry Chapman. Child’s creativity in songwriting has resulted in many No. 1 hits including Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” and Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady.” His career success includes 70 Top 40 singles and more than 300 million albums sold worldwide as well as his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Child gave advice to students on songwriting and the music business, saying, “Make work your friend and confidant.” Child also reiterated the importance of staying in the moment and being completely focused while writing songs.
Currently, Child is busy with several projects, which include an animated film with Dreamworks titled Swedish Idol and a Broadway musical. However, his most recent project, “Man Up For Kids,” is a charity organization that is using music to help disabled children. Nashville is the pilot city for this organization.
